When you mention you’re going on a cruise, certain stereotypes can be called to mind. People might assume you’re spending all the time on board, full of all-you-can-eat buffet and cheap wine, or worse, that you’re taking an early retirement. A cruise to Vietnam smashes all of these misconceptions off starboard and into the water. Because South East Asia’s most thrilling, thriving country has so much to offer. Best of all, it’s a whole 3260km of coastline, with history, culture and glorious cuisine by the boatload wherever you alight.
Vietnam: The Number One Cruise Destination For 2024
As the cruise industry sets sail towards more immersive and authentic experiences, Vietnam has emerged as a key player, replete with cultural richness and natural splendour. Far from the clichéd buffet-laden decks and the sometimes sedentary sea days, a Vietnamese cruise offers an invigorating blend of shore excursions and serene sea voyages.
With all that in mind, here’s why we’re naming Vietnam the IDEAL cruise destination for 2024.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay in Vietnam’s North East is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. A lofty billing indeed, but the ‘Descending Dragon’ more than lives up to it, with its collection of breathtaking limestone islands which rise majestically from the sea.
The poster child for Vietnam’s natural wonders, a place where the karst topography creates a labyrinth of towering limestone pillars, this truly is one of the most beautiful, otherworldly places on the planet. The city of Ha Long boasts an international passenger port where cruise ships dock. From here, alight and board a traditional junk boat – which can do overnight trips, complete with stops for swimming, sightseeing and squid – to experience the bay at its finest. Vietnam’s number one must-see, make no mistake.
The traditional junk boat experience complements the grandeur of the bay, offering a seamless connection between the tranquillity of the sea and the majesty of the shore. And that’s what cruise holidays in 2024 are all about.
Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City)
Though Vietnam’s largest and most happening city isn’t on the coast, the port of Phu My is just an hour and a half’s drive, and it’s well worth making the trip to experience the country’s dynamism and ambition full throttle. It’s a megacity, make no mistake, but one with bags of character and history.
The journey from Phu My to the pulsating heart of Ho Chi Minh City encapsulates the essence of Vietnam’s transformation – from tranquil waters to the bustling streets. The city’s vibrancy is a stark contrast to the calm of the sea, offering cruisers a taste of Vietnam’s urban dynamism. After a couple of hours negotiating the sights and sounds of this incredible city, you’ll have more than steadied those sea legs, make no mistake.
Ben Thanh Market, District 1, is the foodie focal point of the city, with vendors slinging bowls of nourishing soup from early in the morning until closing time at around 7pm. Many of Ho Chi Minh City’s best food options are closeby, so head here if you’re looking to get fed. The backpacker street Bui Vien is also walking distance away, and is always entertaining for a quick beer and some people watching.
If you’re looking for some culture after satisfying your culinary curiosity, then the Reunification Palace, made famous on newsreels during the American/Vietnam War as tanks crashed through the gates, should be your first stop. Just a ten minute walk from there is the War Remnants Museum; a deeply harrowing but vital documenting of the horrors of war.
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc is an island on a seemingly unstoppable rise, and Vietnam’s largest, with new hotel developments and restaurants cropping up as fast as the island will have them. Regardless of this mega expansion, it’s still a gorgeous, tropical paradise well worth visiting.
Phu Quoc manages to epitomise that perfect blend of sea and shore that should be defining 2024’s best cruises, offering those on board the chance to dive into its crystal-clear waters and explore the underwater world in the morning, then step off onto the soft, white sands to wander through bustling markets and sample exquisite local dishes by afternoon, creating a seamless day of diverse experiences that capture the essence of a Vietnamese cruise.
The island’s main town of Duong Dong has a sizable port. From here, you can get stuck straight into Phu Quoc’s famous, fish-led cuisine; light, delicate and as fresh as you like, with an emphasis on seafood, particularly squid, which is abundant in the island’s surrounding waters. What’s more, Phu Quoc boasts two highly prized, artisanal products cultivated on the island; peppercorns and fish sauce, the latter reputed to be the best in the world. Take a tour of a peppercorn farm or fish sauce factory during your time on the island and don’t forget to buy some souvenirs!
Chan May (Da Nang & Hoi An)
Chan May is Central Vietnam’s main port, and has links to Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines. It’s also just a 50km drive from the flourishing city of Da Nang, now Vietnam’s third largest, and 75km from the ancient trading port of Hoi An; majestically preserved, pedestrianised and simply lovely. The latter is the home of Vietnam’s world famous silk and tailoring trade, with the skilled craftspeople here able to size you up and fashion you an outfit in record time (six hours on our last visit!). With that level of efficiency, there really is no excuse not to get kitted out while on dry land.
The sea journey to this port is a spectacular one, revealing the marble mountains and recently constructed Dragon Bridge as you approach dry land. It’s a striking statement about the country as a whole, at once mystical and modernising. Furthering that connection between sea and shore, Hoi An is a testament to Vietnam’s maritime heritage, with its well-preserved architecture reflecting the influences of the many seafarers who once frequented its port.
Da Lat
While not a coastal city, Da Lat is an enchanting addition to any cruise itinerary, offering a highland reprieve from the tropical climate. Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, its cool atmosphere and verdant landscapes provide a stark contrast to the coastal experiences. The journey inland is a testament to Vietnam’s geographical diversity, showcasing the country’s ability to surprise and captivate beyond its shores.
My Tho (The Mekong Delta)
My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, offers a unique waterborne experience that’s markedly different from the open sea. Cruising along the Mekong River, life unfolds in a vibrant display of floating markets, lush rice paddies, and orchards. It’s a place where the river is the lifeblood, supporting a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. This destination enriches the cruise experience by connecting the sea to the river, highlighting the integral role waterways play in Vietnam’s identity.
Nha Trang
Yep, we realise we haven’t mentioned beaches yet. And despite the fact that Phu Quoc, Da Nang and Hoi An all boast some spectacular ones, we thought we’d leave the best ‘till last. Because the city of Nha Trang, with a cruise ship docking close to the centre of the action, flaunts some of the finest in the country.
Most popular is Hon Tre, also known as Bamboo Island, which can be reached via speedboat from Nha Trang centre in under 30 minutes. Or, you can take a cable car from Nha Trang, which connects you to the popular amusement park VinPearl Land on the island. Alternatively, the city sits on Tran Phu beach, complete with a beautiful promenade with plenty of seafood restaurants; the definition of paradise, we think.
It’s also a popular stop-off point for so-called celebrity cruises, owing to Nha Trangs famous nightlife and recent opening of casinos, which are legal for those holding foreign passports.
Indeed, it’s this seamless integration of beach life with the amenities of a bustling city that makes Nha Trang a perfect example of Vietnam’s ability to offer the best of both worlds.
The Bottom Line
Vietnam’s allure as a cruise destination lies in its ability to offer an ideal mix of sea and shore days. Each port of call is a new adventure, a story waiting to be told. The country’s coastline serves as a narrative thread, connecting the diverse experiences that range from the surreal tranquillity of Ha Long Bay to the historical echoes of Hoi An and the urban pulse of Ho Chi Minh City. Add to this the highland charm of Da Lat and the riverine rhythms of the Mekong Delta, and you have a cruise itinerary that’s as varied as it is vibrant.
In 2024, Vietnam stands as a testament to the evolution of cruising, where the journey itself is as enriching as the destinations it weaves together. It’s a place where stereotypes are left in the wake, and the promise of discovery is as boundless as the sea.